narcoterrorism

American  

[nahr-koh-ter-uh-riz-uhm] / ˌnɑr koʊˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. terrorist tactics employed by dealers in illicit drugs, as against competitors or government agents.

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narcoterrorism British  

/ ˌnɑːkəʊˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. terrorism funded by the sale of illegal drugs

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Other Word Forms

• narcoterrorist noun

Etymology

Origin of narcoterrorism

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

When DEA agents flew Nicolás Maduro to New York to face narcoterrorism charges, beside him was his wife, Cilia Flores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

"This collaborative and decisive action is a strategic success for all nations in the Western Hemisphere committed to disrupting and defeating narcoterrorism."

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

The operation comes a day after Southcom commander Gen. Francis Donovan visited Ecuador’s capital, Quito, and met with President Daniel Noboa and other senior officials to discuss expanding security cooperation against narcoterrorism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

On Monday, the Ecuadorean leader said his government was beginning “a new phase against narcoterrorism and illegal mining.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

In handcuffs, blindfolded and wearing a gray sweatsuit, he was on a U.S. warship, on his way to New York City to face narcoterrorism charges following a five-hour operation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026